AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that the run deep into the Champions League was worth it even though their form in Serie A suffered as a result.
It has been a very testing recent period for Pioli and his side as they were dumped out of the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-0 aggregate loss against their city rivals Inter, while a top four finish to ensure qualification for the next edition seems unlikely.
Dropped points against Empoli, Salernitana, Cremonese and most recently Spezia have really damaged the Rossoneri in their quest to try and make sure they get into Europe’s top club competition, and they are now left with the task of winning the last three games to stand a chance.
Pioli spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the game against an already-relegated Sampdoria side, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How important are these last three games?
“In the league we are behind where we wanted to be. But we only have to think about tomorrow’s game. Luckily the season didn’t end on Tuesday and we have three matches to show who we are.”
What’s the mood of the team like?
“We suffered a strong disappointment, we wanted to do better and go to the final. There is disappointment. We are ready for tomorrow, however, we have to react as a great team.
“The Champions League target is important. Now all judgments must be suspended until the end of the season, getting into the Champions League is too important.”
Is that the biggest disappointment for you so far?
“Big disappointment because the prize is very big. We started as one of 32, we finished in the final four. I hope there are more opportunities like this in my career. I’m talking a lot with my players. We’ve gone on a path where there have been more successes than disappointments.”
Was the run worth it?
“Sure. We’ve learned things this season that we didn’t learn last year. They’re all things that will help us grow.”
Is it realistic that fifth place might be enough to get in [to the Champions League, with Juventus’ possible punishment]?
“The only real thing is to win tomorrow, we can’t control other things and they don’t concern us.”
Do you feel inferior to Inter?
“The first half of the two games made the difference. In the first leg we conceded two goals in a few minutes, in the second leg we weren’t able to score. This was our flaw. We have to look ahead.”
Was there much stress on the starters?
“I don’t think so, we arrived well at the match. All the rotations I made were made to arrive in good condition.”
Why have Milan dropped so many points against lower-ranking sides?
“I’m coming to some conclusions. We’ve had too many difficulties in this type of match.”
Why do you struggle so much to score?
“It was our biggest flaw. We scored too few goals taking into account what we created. We have to do better. Everyone gave their all, some did better, others less well. It was a complicated season, in some situations we didn’t measure up.”
Three Italian teams are in the finals of the three European competitions. Have the problems of Italian football been solved?
“It’s hard to say. We have to see if there will be consistency or not. We have to give credit to the Italian teams for what they’ve done in Europe.”
Do you need many new signings for the future or do you need to change your plans?
“The choices were shared by everyone to improve the team. At the end of the season we will make all the necessary assessments.”
Are the team getting too little credit?
“I honestly don’t know, it’s not my concern. We’ve achieved great results in three years and expectations are very high. I respect my players. I coach a top club that wants results and a good game. When you win, they praise you, when they don’t win there is criticism.”
How would you judge the season?
“We have to wait for the end of the season. Let’s wait for the end and then I’ll tell you everything I think.”
How important are the next three games?
“They will be worth a lot for everyone, we want to finish in the top four. Then all the assessments will be made to try to be more competitive in Italy and in Europe.”
Why did you move Origi to the left?
“It’s not a decisive decision, but without Leao it seemed right to let him play. We don’t need to talk about the individuals right now. Whether we do well or badly depends on the team. If we don’t play well, we struggle to win ugly matches. We have to understand and evaluate certain situations.”
Why haven’t we seen the same style of play as last season?
“I don’t agree. This year we’ve increased control and domination of the matches, we’ve been lacking in the last few metres of the pitch.”
How is Ibrahimovic doing?
“He hasn’t returned to work on the field yet. I don’t know if he’ll be back for the last game.”
AC Milan will reimburse fans who cannot come to San Siro tomorrow due to the flood…
“This is Milan. I wish all the best of luck to the people who are suffering, hoping that everything will be resolved as soon as possible.”
What are you expecting from Sampdoria tomorrow?
“Samp are playing with great dignity and pride, they’re a difficult opponent. I’m not putting my hands up, but they’re playing good football and have little to lose. If they play with passion and pride, what should we do?”
We’ll beat Juve and maybe Samp. We’re definitely not beating Hellas as they’re fighting to stay up.
what exactly i have missed? 4 points gap to UCL quali, please explain to me how this should work with 3games left?
It’s called hope. We’re hoping Juve gets enough of a points deduction that we can get the fourth spot after their penalty. All we have to do is maintain fourth and winning the three remaining matches will do that
Well, we need to finish above Roma and Atalanta. Juventus in my opinion should be banned by uefa if its find guilty on courts and if qualify for European Cup.
And it wouldn’t be the first time Lazio choke just before the finishing line either. 9 points for Milan and TOP4 is REALLY close.
But… Does anyone really think Milan can do it? After all there’s two matches against relegating teams and we all know how these matches always end.
If Roma win the Europa league we are going no where
True.